If the technologists at MIT have their way, Kumbh ke mele mein bichadna will soon become a thing of the past. 30 million and more people are expected to attend the Kumbh mela in Nashik this year. A congregation size that is a worry and a boon at the same time.
Teams are working to modify, leverage and create apps that will enable just about every move at the Kumbh this year. Right from a barcode scanner attendee database that can trace missing persons, to using cell tower signal mapping to regulate traffic control and updating on best and most hygienic places to eat (right down to the time the food was prepared).
We only hope that city planners work closely with these teams so that the winning apps can be put to use to manage urban growth in a regular environment.
Read the full article here
http://www.theguardian.com/cities/2015/jul/01/waze-crowds-uber-street-food-mit-kumbh-mela
